Drogba: Ibra is not selfish anymore

The Chelsea star believes the striker has matured on a personal level and now understands the need to play for the collective rather than just himself

16.02.2015 14:11:36

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba believes Paris Saint-Germain star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has changed for the better since shedding his selfish streak on the pitch.
The Sweden international has developed into the Ligue 1 champions' undisputed star player since joining them from AC Milan in 2012 and Drogba has hailed the way the 33-year-old has matured over the years.
Ibrahimovic received his fair share of criticism in the early years of his career at Ajax for his tendency to chase individual glory rather than play for the team, while he was unable to make an impact at Barcelona as Pep Guardiola felt his style of play did not suit his philosophy.
However, Drogba feels the Sweden international has learnt the error of his ways and is a better player as a result.
"Ibrahimovic is a player who has changed a lot," Drogba told Canal Football Club. "He has come to understand that he will have to play for the team in order to help them forward.
"I like his style of play and aggressiveness a lot. We are similar in a lot of areas."
Drogba then went on to stress that Chelsea should not underestimate PSG in their Champions League round of 16 tie, irrespective of the Ligue 1 side's injury problems, which sees them go into the game without Lucas Moura, Marquinhos, Yohan Cabaye and Serge Aurier.
"I do not agree with those who claim Paris Saint-Germain are wounded. Absolutely not. They are preparing themselves for this Champions League tie and they will be ready for it."
The first leg takes place at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, with the return scheduled for March 11.
The two sides met in the quarter-finals of the competition in 2013-14, with Chelsea eventually progressing to the final four. The Premier League side were beaten 3-1 in Paris in the first leg, only to record a 2-0 win at home and advance on away goals.
Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Caen